Titelprent voor: Henricus Vos, Alle de voornaamste historien des Ouden en Nieuwen Testaments. Verbeeld in uytsteekende konst-platen, 2 delen, Amsterdam, 1703. 1703

This etching, made around 1703 by Romeyn de Hooghe, serves as the title print for stories of the Old and New Testaments. Dominating the scene is a female figure, likely an allegory for divine wisdom, adorned with the scales of justice on her chest, symbolizing balance and moral judgment. Notice how the dove of the Holy Spirit hovers above her, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography, representing purity and divine guidance. This motif has journeyed through art history, appearing in various forms from early Christian mosaics to Renaissance paintings, each time carrying a similar message of spiritual enlightenment, yet coloured by the cultural nuances of its time. Consider the snake winding around the arm, a symbol for medicine and science. Interestingly, the juxtaposition of these symbols—justice, divinity, and healing—creates a complex dialogue about the roles of religion, and human life. The presence of these figures invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history, the enduring power of symbols, and the subconscious forces that shape our understanding of the world.